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Itoko
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Itoko
8.8
Opened in 2023, Itoko is a Michelin-recognized Southport Corridor Japanese restaurant from chef Gene Kato where a focused Tantan Ramen lives alongside sushi, robata, and seasonal small plates. The room is sleek and buzzy rather than hushed, so ramen here reads as part of a polished Japanese dinner instead of a quick noodle stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tantan Ramen, Salmon robata, Whole Branzino
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Southport Japanese restaurant where refined ramen shares space with sushi and robata.
Who should go: Diners seeking polished Japanese cooking in a sleek room.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or business lunches when reservations are easier.
What to order: Tantan Ramen, salmon robata, Whole Branzino from the grill.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar to watch the robata station while your ramen arrives.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Southport and side streets; fills quickly after 6pm, limited paid garage options within a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished and slightly dressy.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — you can hold a conversation, but the room has a steady buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during primetime.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, though bar seating fills first.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a handful of vegetarian small plates and sushi options, plus customizable sides.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be made vegan on request, but ramen options are not fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free-leaning dishes and sashimi options; gluten-free soy available, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the sleek design, polished service, and lively-but-not-overpowering energy make it a strong first-date choice, especially if you want something refined without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — bar and a few tables are held for walk-ins, but expect a wait on weekends; arriving early evening or closer to lunch improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — well-behaved older kids are fine for earlier seatings, but the atmosphere skews adult and buzzy, with limited menu items tailored to younger children.
Best For
Better for: Polished Japanese dining with ramen as part of a broader sushi-and-robata experience, elevated presentation, and a sleek date-night setting.
Skip if: You want a casual, budget ramen shop with large portions and quick in-and-out service — this leans refined and occasion-focused.
Itoko
8.8
Itoko is a Southport Corridor Japanese restaurant from Boka Group where Chef Gene Kato leans into pristine nigiri, maki, and robata in a softly lit, design-forward room. It feels built for special-occasion dates that still want a neighborhood energy rather than downtown formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seared Fatty Tuna Nigiri, Hokkaido Hotate Nigiri, Kumamoto Beef to Hotate Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Japanese with serious nigiri and a polished, intimate room.
Who should go: Couples prioritizing technique-driven sushi and crafted cocktails.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for full buzz and kitchen focus.
What to order: Seared fatty tuna nigiri, Hokkaido hotate nigiri, chef sashimi selection.
Insider tip: Book the sushi counter if available to watch the nigiri work up close.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Southport and nearby side streets; metered spots are limited and can be difficult after 6pm. No dedicated lot — allow extra time or consider rideshare on busy weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are acceptable if paired with a polished top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate — lively room with conversation still manageable at two-tops.
Weekend wait: Typically booked out; expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable (primarily a dinner-focused restaurant).
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good support — several maki, nigiri, and vegetable-focused small plates can be built into a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable dishes and maki can be modified, but options are not the core focus.
Gluten-free options: Many sushi and sashimi items are naturally gluten-free; advise the server for sauce and soy substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the lighting, polished service, and counter-focused sushi program create an intimate atmosphere that works especially well for a thoughtful, higher-end first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are occasionally seated early or late evening, but prime weekend hours are rarely available without an advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children — the room is oriented toward adults, dates, and special-occasion dining; older teens comfortable with sushi may fit better than families with small kids.
Best For
Better for: Technique-driven nigiri, refined plating, and a special-occasion date night feel without downtown formality.
Skip if: You want an inexpensive casual sushi night, large group share-plates, or highly flexible vegan selections.